U.S. patent application number 17/232143 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-21 for corn hole bag collector.
The applicant listed for this patent is SEAN MCCORMICK. Invention is credited to SEAN MCCORMICK.
Application Number | 20210322835 17/232143 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005537987 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210322835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCCORMICK; SEAN |
October 21, 2021 |
CORN HOLE BAG COLLECTOR
Abstract
Described herein is a corn hole or bean bag collector or
retrieval system which includes a retrieval basket and carriage
moved by a conveyor belt and drive system, as well as a push button
control system. This system further includes one or more lifting
arms and a basket storage container. This system is compact,
portable, adjustable, and battery-operated or AC wall outlet
powered.
Inventors: |
MCCORMICK; SEAN; (SUFFOLK,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCCORMICK; SEAN |
SUFFOLK |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005537987 |
Appl. No.: |
17/232143 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63011244 |
Apr 16, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/06 20130101;
A63B 47/021 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 63/08
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 47/02 20060101
A63B047/02; A63B 67/06 20060101 A63B067/06; A63B 63/08 20060101
A63B063/08 |
Claims
1. A corn hole or bean bag toss retriever system comprising: a
frame member including a concave platform portion and a cover
member coupled at one end via a hinge, the concave portion
including a first conveyor portion, the cover member including a
carriage retrieval device adapted to be moved longitudinally along
the cover member by a second conveyor portion; a retrieval control
system adapted to independently control the first and second
conveyor belts and to independently control movement of the
carriage retrieval device longitudinally along the cover member;
and a power supply module located on the frame member and
operatively couple d to the push button control system and
operatively coupled to a drive system of each of the first and
second conveyor portions.
2. The retriever system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
retrieval basket or tray wherein the at least one retrieval basket
is moved by the first conveyor portion towards a set of retrieval
arms of the retrieval carriage device operatively coupled to a
second conveyor belt of the second conveyor portion.
3. The retriever system of claim 1, wherein the retrieval basket
further adapted to be stored in a storage portion in the concave
portion during transport.
4. The retriever system of claim 2, wherein the control system is a
push button control system adapted to independently control the
first and second conveyor belts, wherein the push button control
system engages the retrieval arms and basket and moves the basket
up to a proximal end of the cover member.
5. The retriever system of claim 1, wherein the control system
includes a wireless receiver adapted to receive wireless
transmissions from at least one of a remote controller or a
smartphone applet installed in a smartphone.
6. The retriever system of claim 2, wherein the power supply
includes a battery to provide DC power to the drive systems of the
conveyor portions and to the retrieval arms of the carriage
device.
7. The retriever system of claim 1, wherein the power supply module
is adapted to operate from energy provided by at least one energy
source of the group consisting of AC power, DC power and solar
power via solar cells.
8. The retriever system of claim 1 wherein the concave platform
portion is adapted to be located underneath a corn hole game board
for retrieval of corn hole or bean bags.
9. The retriever system of claim 2 wherein the retrieval arms are
foldable and the concave portion and the cover member are adapted
to close and mate in a clam configuration for storage and
portability.
10. A bean bag toss or corn hole bag retrieval system comprising: a
frame member including a concave platform portion and a cover
member coupled at one end via a hinge, the concave portion
including a storage portion and a first conveyor portion, the cover
member including a retrieval carriage configured from a back plate
coupled to side plates which are hingeably coupled to a set
retrieval lifting arms, the retrieval carriage being moveable by a
second conveyor portion longitudinally upward along the cover
member; at least one retrieval basket adapted to be moved by a
first conveyor belt to the retrieval carriage and lifting arms
coupled to a second conveyor belt of the second conveyor portion,
the retrieval basket further adapted to be stored in the storage
portion during transport; a push button control system adapted to
independently control the first and second conveyor belts, wherein
the push button control system engages the retrieval arms and
basket and moves the basket up to a proximal end of the cover
member; and a power supply module operatively coupled to the push
button control system and a drive system powering the first and
second conveyor belts.
11. The retriever system of claim 10, wherein the power supply
module is adapted to operate from energy provided by at least one
energy source of the group consisting of AC power, DC power and
solar power via solar cells.
12. The retriever system of claim 10, wherein the push button
control system includes a wireless receiver adapted to receive
wireless transmissions from at least one of a remote controller or
a smartphone applet installed in a smartphone.
13. The retriever system of claim 1 comprising a kit including a
bean bag toss board and a set of bean bags.
14. The retriever system of claim 10 wherein the frame member
includes rollers or wheels to facilitate portability and transport
of the frame member when in storage or stored configuration.
15. The retriever system of claim 1 wherein the frame member
includes rollers or wheels to facilitate portability and transport
of the frame member when in storage or in a stored configuration.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application with Ser. No. 63/011,244, filed on Apr. 16,
2020, titled CORN HOLE BAG COLLECTOR, the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The inventive concept relates generally to a corn hole bag
collector.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Currently there are several solutions for retrieving corn
hole bags. One of these solutions attempts to bend down and pick up
the bags, but this solution fails to meet the needs of the market
because the user may not be physically able. Another solution
attempts to utilize having someone else to pick up the bags, but
this solution is similarly unable to meet the needs of the market
because it is inconvenient. Still another solution seeks to utilize
tongs, but this solution also fails to meet market needs because
there may not be one available. Therefore, there currently exists a
need in the market for an apparatus that picks up corn hole bags
during and after a corn hole bag game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The inventive concept relates generally to a corn hole bag
or bean bag collector system that is compact and portable.
Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus
that is battery operated or electrically operated on a wall outlet.
Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that
is adjustable for different user needs and that picks up corn hole
bags.
[0005] The inventive concept advantageously fills the
aforementioned deficiencies by providing a corn hole bag (or bean
bag) collector, which provides a way to pick up bags for users who
may not be physically able to retrieve corn hole bags from the
ground using a retrieving basket and a conveyor belt system. The
apparatus fulfills the need for corn hole retrieving machine.
[0006] In one example embodiment there is provided a bean bag toss
or corn hole bag retrieval system that is designed to be placed
under a bean bag toss board with a hole and support legs at one
end. The retrieval system includes a frame member including a
concave platform portion and a cover member coupled at one end via
a hinge, the concave portion including a storage portion and a
first conveyor portion, the cover member including a retrieval
carriage configured from a back plate coupled to side plates which
are hingeably coupled to a set retrieval lifting arms, the
retrieval carriage being moveable by a second conveyor portion
longitudinally upward along the cover member. The system further
includes at least one retrieval basket adapted to be moved by a
first conveyor belt to the retrieval carriage and lifting arms
coupled to a second conveyor belt of the second conveyor portion,
the retrieval basket further adapted to be stored in the storage
portion during transport. In addition, a push button control system
is included on the frame member that is designed to independently
control the first and second conveyor belts, wherein the push
button control system engages the retrieval arms and basket and
moves the basket up to a proximal end of the cover member. Finally,
the retrieval system includes a power supply module operatively
coupled to the push button control system and a drive system
powering the first and second conveyor belts.
[0007] In a related example embodiment there is provided corn hole
or bean bag toss retriever system designed to be placed under a
bean bag toss board game. The retrieval system includes a frame
member including a concave platform portion and a cover member
coupled at one end via a hinge, the concave portion including a
first conveyor portion, the cover member including a carriage
retrieval device adapted to be moved longitudinally along the cover
member by a second conveyor portion. In addition, a retrieval
control system is included that independently controls the first
and second conveyor belts and independently controls movement of
the carriage retrieval device longitudinally along the cover
member. The system also includes a power supply module located on
the frame member and operatively coupled to the push button control
system and operatively coupled to a drive system of each of the
first and second conveyor portions.
[0008] In a related embodiment, the retriever system further
includes at least one retrieval basket or tray wherein the at least
one retrieval basket is moved by the first conveyor portion towards
a set of retrieval arms of the retrieval carriage device
operatively coupled to a second conveyor belt of the second
conveyor portion. In yet another related embodiment, the frame
member includes rollers or wheels to facilitate portability and
transport of the frame member when in storage.
[0009] Among other things, it is an advantage of the inventive
concept to provide a corn hold bag collector that does not suffer
from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior
solutions. It is still further an advantage of the inventive
concept to be portable. Still further, the apparatus has a button
control for raising and lowering the basket.
[0010] The inventive concept now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are
intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the
detailed description and any preferred and/or particular
embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This
inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms
and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of
illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough,
complete and will fully convey the full scope of the inventive
concept to those skilled in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of the corn hole bag
retrieving system or device.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of the retrieval
device.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side view of the retrieval
device.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of retrieval
device.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a second perspective view of the
retrieval device.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the retrieval device.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the retrieval
device.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear or back view of the folded corn
hole bag retrieval system or device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Following are more detailed descriptions of various related
concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus
according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that
various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and
discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of
numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any
particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific
implementations and applications are provided primarily for
illustrative purposes.
[0020] The inventive concept is a corn hole bag collector kit or
system which includes a battery-operated corn hole bag (or bean bag
toss item) retrieving device. In a related embodiment, the
retrieval device may be directly powered by alternating current or
a solar panel with battery-backup, and is not necessarily limited
to battery only operation.
[0021] Referring to the FIGS. 1-8, and in particular FIGS. 1, 2, 4,
5, there is illustrated a corn hole or bean bag toss board 10 with
a hole 10A and upright supporting legs 11 used together with a set
of bean bags 12 used with an inventive corn hole bag retriever
system 100. In one example embodiment, corn hole bag retrieval
system 100 includes a frame member 110 supported by a set of
upright legs 111 (in a related embodiment legs 111 pivot towards
frame member 110 for a more compact configuration for portability).
Frame member 110 further includes a concave platform portion 120
and a cover member 130 hingably coupled at one proximal end 131A
via a hinge 140.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 4, concave platform portion 120 of frame
member 110 is designed to be located underneath a corn hole game
board 10 for retrieval of corn bags 12. Concave portion 120 of
frame member 110 includes a storage portion 122 and a first
conveyor portion 124 configured from a rolling belt or band 125 and
power rolling assembly (not shown). In this example embodiment,
storage portion 122 is configured to store at least one retrieval
basket or tray 150 supported by a portion of cover member 130.
Basket or tray 150 is configured to catch or receive bean bags or
corn hole bags 12 falling through hole 10A of game board 10.
[0023] In this example embodiment, the cover member 130 includes a
retrieval carriage 132 which includes a back plate 132D coupled to
a set of side support plates 132A hingeably coupled to a set of
retrieval lifting arms 132B via a hinge 132CA. In operation,
lifting arms 132B are designed to be in contact with and to lift
tray 150, tray(s) 150 being designed to be moveable by a second
conveyor portion 134 longitudinally upward (and downward, see
directional arrow FIG. 2) along the cover member 130. In this
example embodiment, as users or players use retrieval system 100
under bean bag toss board 10, the at least one retrieval basket 150
is designed to be moved laterally by first conveyor belt 125 from a
distal end 131B of concave member 120 towards retrieval arms 132
that are coupled to second conveyor belt 135 of the second conveyor
portion 134. One or more retrieval baskets 150 are further designed
to capture bean bags anywhere along the surface of conveyor portion
134 and to store basket(s) 150 in the storage portion 122 of
concave portion 120 during transport.
[0024] In this example embodiment, the corn hole bag retrieval
system 100 further includes a push button control system 160
designed to independently control a drive mechanism (not shown) for
each of conveyor portions 124 and 134 coupled respectively to first
and second conveyor belts 125 and 135. Push button control system
160 also independently engages retrieval arms 132A of retrieval
carriage 132 so as to engage basket 150 (which may or may not have
the bean bags) and move the basket up to a proximal end 131 of the
cover member 130 for benefit of the user.
[0025] In this example embodiment, retrieval system 100 also
includes a power supply unit 170 for powering drive systems (not
shown) of the conveyor systems 124 and 134. Included within unit
170 is an AC/DC conversion circuit module and a battery for
providing AC wall outlet power use and a battery for power storage
and back up power when the unit is not plugged into a wall outlet.
Although the embodiments show a push button control system 160,
such can be provided as a Bluetooth wireless control option via a
separate handheld remote or via a smartphone applet.
[0026] Although not shown here and referring to FIG. 8, retrieval
arms 132B are foldable inward towards cover member 130. In a
related embodiment, arms 132B can extend outward and lie flat
within cover member 130 for storage. Frame portion 110 and the
cover member 130 are designed to close and mate in a clam
configuration for storage and portability.
[0027] The following patents are incorporated by reference in their
entireties: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,607,666; 4,938,485; and 7,762,914.
[0028] While the inventive concept has been described above in
terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the
inventive concept is not limited to these disclosed embodiments.
Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications
and other embodiments of the inventive concept will come to mind of
those skilled in the art to which this inventive concept pertains,
and which are intended to be and are covered by both this
disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the
scope of the inventive concept should be determined by proper
interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art
relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached
drawings.
* * * * *